All the wearable releases we're expecting - plus the key devices we've tested this year
With launches from Samsung, Garmin, OnePlus, and Xiaomi already in the rearview mirror, 2024 is proving to be a huge year in wearables. To make matters even more exciting, big product reveals from Apple and Google are still expected.
July often represents the start of the most high-profile launches, and we’ve just seen Samsung unveil tons of new wearables at its latest Unpacked event. Credible leaks and well-sourced rumors have already given us an idea of what else to expect and the dates to circle in our calendar.
This guide tracks all the upcoming announcements we could (and should) see before the year is complete. Once they’ve arrived, we’ll also put them through their paces in our comprehensive reviews and buyer’s guides, so keep an eye out for more in-depth analysis.
The top 2024 wearable releases we’ve tested so far:
- Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro (Global Edition)
- OnePlus Watch 2 / Nordic Blue Edition
- Garmin Lily 2
- Garmin Forerunner 165
- Polar Ignite 3 Titanium
- Polar Grit X2 Pro
- Huawei Watch Fit 3
- Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
- Xiaomi Watch 2
- Redmi Watch 4
- Form Smart Swim 2
- Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2
- Amazfit Helio
Just announced: Samsung’s 2024 wearable range
After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung officially announced two new Galaxy Watch devices and provided a full breakdown of the previously teased Galaxy Ring at Unpacked on 10 July.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra (above) is the new flagship watch, coming in at $650/£599 and featuring a design that’s more than a little inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra.
Below that remains the standard Galaxy Watch 7 series – beginning at $299/£289. Not much has changed from the last-gen model here.
There was also space for another all-new addition to the family, with the $399/£399 Galaxy Ring given a full detailing on stage.
All will be available to buy from 24 July. You can read our hands-on reviews for all the launch details and design impressions:
Apple Watch X
ETA: September 2024
Apple’s annual smartwatch launch is always a biggie, but this year might deliver even more than the typical, iterative upgrade we’re used to.
Firstly, the Apple Watch’s 10th anniversary will occur during this cycle, which has led to strong speculation from insiders that the Cupertino company is planning a big overhaul – similar to what we saw with the iPhone X back in 2017.
If Apple continues to follow its pattern of a major overhaul after three generations, we should be in store for a major design overhaul. The Series 7-9 gave us the sleekest look yet, with a much more engaging display than what we saw through Series 4-6 and Series 1-3.
Reliable rumors relating to upgrades are still few and far between – and the Apple Watch X could still very much just be called the Series 10 – but it feels as though this could be the most exciting Apple Watch launch in years.
Plus, we already know that watchOS 11 is shaping up to be a substantial update – and that often aligns with a decent chunk of hardware change, too.
Google Pixel Watch 3
ETA: October 2024
After righting plenty of the OG Pixel Watch’s wrongs with the Pixel Watch 2, Google reportedly plans to launch the third-gen model later this year.
The most exciting rumor so far indicates that two case sizes are finally set to be offered, and it’ll almost definitely be the second watch series to get Wear OS 5 (after the Galaxy Watch 7).
Leaks hint that the bigger model will be called the ‘Pixel Watch 3 XL’, and it’s suggested to measure in at 45mm (with increased thickness). It would represent a really welcome addition, even if it probably should have come through the second generation.
Other than this, new features are yet to be credibly reported. Wareable has uncovered several Google smartwatch patents that hint at gesture control and touch-sensitive bezels, but it’s unclear whether they are in line to make it to the Pixel Watch 3.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
ETA: September 2024
Initially, it wasn’t clear whether Apple would align the Ultra smartwatch series into an annual upgrade cycle (as we’ve seen with the Apple Watch Series models), but last year’s Ultra 2 launch appeared to have confirmed this.
And that means an Ultra 3 should come later this year as part of the company’s annual September iPhone event.
At the time of writing, concrete inside information is relatively non-existent. However, it’s long been rumored that Apple will offer a second case color (alongside the current titanium option) – with Ultra prototypes showing what this might look like. This feels very likely for the Ultra 3.
Another longstanding rumor – and one we’re also half-expecting to be a feature of the Apple Watch X – is an Apple Watch Ultra device with a MicroLED display.
Whoop 5.0
ETA: Late 2024
Unlike the major smartwatch OEMs, it can be a little tougher to try and figure out when companies like Whoop might launch their next-generation hardware.
Given Whoop 4.0 arrived in late 2021, though, some kind of hardware update in 2024 would appear likely.
The current tracker is still one that stands up to scrutiny, and Whoop has done a superb job of enriching the subscription experience with new features in the last year or two, but it does also feel like it’ll have to continue to innovate to stave off competition.
There are little to no rumors or hints from the company that new hardware is on the horizon, but we’ve made our Whoop 5.0 wish list and created a dedicated hub for any leaks that pop up. Access it below.
Oura Ring Generation 4
ETA: Late 2024
Like Whoop, Oura only tends to offer upgrades when there’s a big leap forward to be made. And, in reality, the Oura Ring Generation 3 is still very much at the top of the smart ring pile.
With that said, competition is becoming fierce for the Finnish company. Samsung is set to launch its first smart ring this year (more on that below), and startups Ultrahuman, Ringconn, and Movano have all shipped solid efforts in the last year.
It’s likely the Oura Ring Generation 4 is in the latter stages of development, if we had to guess, and a 2024 arrival would align with the previous launches by occurring every three years.
As of now, though, there’s not much to go off.
Garmin Fenix 8 – Epix 3
ETA: September 2024
We only received the mid-generation update – the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro (Gen 2) – in the spring of 2023, but it appears fairly likely looking at Garmin’s recent launch patterns that the next-gen Fenix and Epix will launch in 2024.
Reliable hints are still incredibly scarce, but one leaked retailer listing does seem to suggest that the new generation could arrive in September. As we’ve stated in our wider coverage over the past year or so, we wouldn’t be too surprised if Garmin merged these two lines – and, at least based on the pricing and branding (a Fenix 8E is listed) that appears in the leak, that looks likely.
We’ll have to wait and see what the company has cooking, but we’ve got our fingers crossed for cellular support, a refreshed UI akin to the Forerunner line, and even better battery life.
